Youth Bowl Canada was very excited to announce a beta-test launch of the YBC SHOOTOUT earlier this season. The new online event, aims to bring continued excitement to YBC leagues in the latter stretches of the season. And it would have done just that, had the latter stretches of the season been allowed to roll out as normal. Unfortunately, as with all things these days, the Shootout fell victim to the dreaded Coronavirus.

Due to bowling centre closures across Canada the YBC Shootout had to be cut short, but the timing was better than it could have been. Forced closures were being announced as of March 17 (Ontario), which is when results of the Brackets Round of 8 were due, leaving us that day with the final 4 bowlers in each of the Scratch and POA brackets.

With some finalists hailing from provinces where closures had just been announced (and others soon to join the closures list) it was decided that the only fair thing would be to consider the remaining bowlers as CO-CHAMPIONS and call the event for the year.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2020 YBC SHOOTOUT co-champions! CLICK HERE FOR A LIST!

With 1,021 entries this year in fivepin, and almost 100 entries in tenpin, the event shows promise and interest from the community. And considering only 50 bowling centres were invited to participate this year YBC expects that the full launch next year could see considerable growth in terms of entries, and in terms of prize money awarded.

There will be adjustments made as we hear suggestions from the community as to how to make the event even better for the years to come. Stay tuned! But for now, a big thanks to the bowlers and
leagues who participated this year and made the YBC SHOOTOUT possible.

For some time now Bowl Canada has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus pandemic with the aim of being able to confidently decide on an appropriate course of action with regards to the running of our scheduled events.   Our first event of the season is our primary concern at this time, namely the Youth Bowl Canada (YBC) National Championships scheduled for early May in Calgary, AB.

The province of Alberta (host of the YBC Nationals) posted a position last night stating that all events of 250 people or more are to be cancelled “indefinitely” (click here for info from the Calgary Herald).   The announcement does not stipulate a specific timeline, so it is unclear if this restriction will still be in force come May.  Presumably the vagueness of the statement is to allow the Government of Alberta to adjust its position as required and as details change moving forward.

The safety and welfare of the bowling community is always our top priority, and the best interests of the athletes, coaches and family members and friends who would be attending the Championship will be our driving concern as we continue to evaluate the prudence of conducting the YBC National Championships as scheduled and under the foreseeable circumstances.

We will provide another update next week and ask that everyone stay tuned for further word on the matter as we take the recommendations and guidelines of Health Canada and other levels of government into our decision making process.

For those who already have arrangements in place for their trip to Calgary, don’t panic just yet;

Rest assured that you can cancel any booked accommodation at our host hotels, without penalty, right up until a few days prior to our scheduled arrival on May 2^nd

If you’ve booked flights, both Air Canada and Westjet are already announcing waived rescheduling fees, though currently the conditions are somewhat restrictive (based on when the flight was scheduled for, and when the flight was booked).  We expect that the restrictions will loosen up as time, and conditions of the pandemic, move forward.

No doubt you’ve been wondering about the trip to Calgary and the YBC Nationals.  We thank you for your patience, and want you to know that while we are dedicated to conducting our cherished YBC Nationals, we will make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the bowling community and of society at large.  Stay tuned as we all continue to navigate the unknown.

Youth Bowl Canada is happy to announce that this week it will be donating a total of $4,880 to the Canadian Red Cross in support of relief efforts for those affected by flooding in the Bracebridge & Muskoka areas of Ontario, as well as in Laval, Quebec. The funds were raised thanks to the support of the caring youth bowling community, which was assembled for national championships from May 5th to 7th in two separate provinces/locations.

Last week Youth Bowl Canada was in Laval for its 49th Annual National Youth TENPIN Championship, which took place at Centre de Quilles 440 in Laval, Quebec. With attendees representing 7 provinces across the country, all were quick to step up and support the host community that had been struggling with rising water levels and flooding for weeks. $930 was raised through draws as well as a raffle for a new bowling ball.

At the same time in Ontario, NEB’s Funworld in Oshawa was hosting all Canadian provinces and 1 territory for the 55th Annual Youth Bowl Canada National FIVEPIN Championships. The local Oshawa committee worked hard to raise $3,950 for the hard hit communities just an hour or so away in Ontario’s “cottage country”…. Bracebridge and the Muskokas. Attendees showed their hearts by jointly donating roughly $1000 per day of the 3-day championship, with almost another $1,000 raised through a draw for a set of fivepin bowling balls. Both nationals saw the bowling ball prizes donated by Buffa Bowling Distribution out of Montreal (thanks Buffa!).

“The local bowling centre is a hub for nearly every community across Canada.” Stated Bowl Canada President Rod Hennessey, who went on to say… “And being “about” community, it’s no surprise to see bowling families supporting those in need across our great country.” Bowl Canada Executive Director Paul Oliveira points out that “The bowling community is a caring one and has proven to be quick to support those in need. In the last few years we’ve raised funds in support of the Humboldt Community…. for Gatineau, Quebec during the floods of 2017 and in support of the Fort McMurray community while the fires were still raging back in 2016.” President Hennessey adds… “We’re in the area for our National Championships, and the drastic situations are on the news and in our minds and hearts… it’s hard not to want to help out in some way. Every bit makes a difference and the bowling community has always done its part.”

Youth Bowl Canada thanks all who participated in these fundraisers in support of Canadians in need.